Welcoming the World to Putrajaya: IMACSSS 2020 Begins
In October 2020, the city of Putrajaya, Malaysia, transformed into a vibrant hub of martial arts scholarship and cultural exchange. The 9th International Martial Arts and Combat Sports Scientific Society (IMACSSS) Conference, held in conjunction with the 2nd Global Scientific Martial Arts and Cultural Congress (GSMACC), marked a historic moment—not only for Malaysia but for the global martial arts academic community.
This was no ordinary conference. Amid the global COVID-19 pandemic, the organizing committee, led by Dr. Mohamad Nizam Mohamed Shapie, boldly embraced a hybrid format, combining physical attendance for local participants with virtual participation for international delegates. This innovative approach enabled scholars, athletes, and enthusiasts from across the globe to connect, share, and celebrate martial arts in a safe and inclusive environment.
A New Chapter in Martial Arts Tourism
Putrajaya, Malaysia’s administrative capital, was chosen for its symbolic significance and modern infrastructure. With its iconic Putra Mosque, scenic lakes, and cultural landmarks, the city offered a picturesque backdrop for the conference. Although international guests could not physically explore the city due to travel restrictions, virtual tours and cultural showcases brought Putrajaya’s charm to life on screen.
Opening Ceremony and Global Participation
Held at The Everly Hotel, the opening ceremony welcomed participants with traditional Malaysian hospitality. The event featured keynote speeches from renowned scholars such as Prof. Wojciech J. Cynarski (Poland), Prof. Carlos Gutierrez-Garcia (Spain), and Prof. Abel Figueiredo (Portugal), who joined remotely. Their presentations explored themes ranging from the philosophy of martial arts to scientometric analysis of combat sports publications.
Silat Tempur Takes the Stage
A highlight of the conference was the International Silat Tempur Invitational Championship, showcasing Malaysia’s indigenous martial art. Led by Grandmaster Dr. Mohamad Nizam Mohamed Shapie, the event celebrated Silat Tempur as both a cultural heritage and a modern combat sport. The championship, held in conjunction with academic sessions, exemplified the fusion of theory and practice that defines IMACSSS.
A Decade of IMACSSS
The 2020 conference also marked the 10th anniversary of IMACSSS, a society that has grown into a global platform for martial arts research. From its roots in Rzeszow, Poland, IMACSSS has hosted conferences in Japan, Portugal, and now Malaysia—each contributing to the institutionalization of martial arts studies.
Looking Ahead
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, IMACSSS 2020 was a resounding success. It demonstrated the resilience of the martial arts community and the power of technology to bridge distances. As the world adapts to new norms, hybrid conferences like IMACSSS 2020 may become the blueprint for future academic and cultural events.
Malaysia welcomed the world—not just to Putrajaya, but to a shared vision of martial arts as a bridge between cultures, disciplines, and generations.
References
Cynarski, W. J., & Swider, P. (2022). A scientific and martial arts event in a new, pandemic situation; casus of one conference anno domini 2020. Ido Movement for Culture. Journal of Martial Arts Anthropology, 22(2), 56–64. https://doi.org/10.14589/ido.22.2.7
Shapie, M. N. M., Nadzalan, A. M., Japilus, S. J. M., & Ramli, M. S. (Eds.). (2020). Global Scientific Martial Arts and Cultural Congress (GSMACC) and 9th IMACSSS International Conference 2020: Abstract Book. Putrajaya, Malaysia.
Gutierrez-Garcia, C., Swider, P., & Pawelec, P. (2019). Report on the Fourth World Scientific Congress of Combat Sports and Martial Arts. Ido Movement for Culture. Journal of Martial Arts Anthropology, 19(2), 1–3. https://doi.org/10.14589/ido.19.2.1
